Beaches on Mars are clearest evidence of ancient life

They're not like those in the Caribbean, but the Red Planet's beaches may still have attracted microbial tourists

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New research suggests that not only was Mars once a perfect holiday destination (if you're willing to overlook the radiation exposure and absence of food sources), but was also in possession of the right conditions to host alien life.

It all stems from the discovery of ancient sandy beaches on Mars. A discovery that suggests a large liquid ocean once spread over the northern part of the Red Planet.

The team behind the research, from institutions in China and the US, says that this ancient shoreline is the clearest evidence yet that Mars was previously habitable.